Ruthvik Bommena

PhD Candidate @ UIUC | Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) | Astrodynamics | Private Pilot

Industry Experience

Flight Dynamics Intern – Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Bengaluru, India | May 2025 – Jul 2025

  • Developed an optimal impulsive trajectory design framework for Earth-return missions from lunar orbit, at ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre.
  • Developed custom MATLAB/Python tools to compute minimum ΔV transfers, using optimal control theory and nonlinear programming, while enforcing lunar-departure, Earth-reentry, and dynamical constraints.
  • Executed a year-long search for 2027 to find optimal return windows, delivering validated solution sets that support mission planning for ISRO’s upcoming lunar sample-return missions.

Mechanical Design Intern – Skyroot Aerospace

Hyderabad, India | May 2021 – Aug 2021

  • Designed and tested gimbal mounts for the Raman-I RCS engine on the Vikram-I rocket.
  • Conducted FEA simulations for structural and thermal integrity validation.
  • Gained skills in CAD, thrust vectoring, and technical report writing.

Academic Experience

Graduate Research Assistant – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

Champaign, IL | Aug 2022 – Present

  • Designing advanced GNC algorithms for satellite servicing rendezvous and proximity operations.
  • Developed 6-DOF path-constrained trajectory optimization strategies for in-space servicing and assembly missions using multi-agent swarms.
  • Applied indirect optimization techniques with constraints such as anti-collision and thruster-pointing for collision and contamination avoidance.

Technical Support Specialist – SHIELD Illinois

Champaign, IL | Nov 2021 – Jun 2023

  • Delivered technical support for the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 testing initiative.
  • Resolved support tickets and managed client interaction with tracking software.
  • Led knowledge-base improvements and enhanced customer satisfaction workflows.

Teaching Assistant (AE402: Orbital Mechanics) – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

Champaign, IL | Aug 2022 – Dec 2022

  • Assisted students with coursework through office hours and assignment grading.
  • Delivered lectures in the instructor’s absence, contributing to curriculum delivery.
  • Supported students in exam prep and technical comprehension.

Undergraduate Student Assistant – University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

Chicago, IL | Sep 2018 – Apr 2019

  • Worked in the Machine Shop and Makerspace labs with subtractive and additive manufacturing tools.
  • Operated CNC/manual mills, routers, 3D printers, and laser cutters.
  • Gained expertise in lab safety, CAD modelling for machining and 3D printing, and post-processing.

Professional Service

Peer Reviewer - Acta Astronautica

Sep 2025 – Present

Peer Reviewer - Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics

Nov 2025 – Present

Peer Reviewer - The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences

March 2026 – Present